Your teeth need to be properly taken care of, and that includes maintaining great dental hygiene habits. If you are practicing not-so-good dental habits, you’re putting your oral health at risk. Brushing and flossing your teeth are two very important tasks. They help keep your mouth clean and fresh while also promoting great oral health. But, are you brushing correctly? How do you know if you are/aren’t? These are common questions that are asked at our Waverly, NE office whenever patients visit us during their regular checkups and cleanings.
The truth is, there is a right and wrong way to brushing teeth. Some patients don’t brush their teeth for nearly as long as they should or aren’t brushing each individual tooth. Whatever the case may be, we want you to know how to properly brush. Remember to floss, too! Dr. Vacek wants every one of his patients to live with excellent oral health, and properly brushing your teeth can help you achieve great oral health. When your oral health is in great shape, it usually means good things for your overall health, too. If you think you may not be brushing correctly or could use a few tips, we’ve got you covered. Dr. Vacek is the dentist Waverly, NE residents can trust.
Brushing Teeth 101
Class is officially in session. It’s best to follow along with our tips as you look in the mirror with toothbrush in hand. Smile big and get a good look at each one of your teeth. There’s a lot more surface area than you realize. Each surface you should be hitting on your teeth are the front, back, chewing area and everywhere else your toothbrush can fit. Now that you’re aware of the amount of surface area you have to cover, let’s get to the actual process.
- Check to make sure your toothbrush is equipped with soft bristles. Most, if not all, toothbrushes come standard with soft bristles, but it’s best to make sure.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle as you brush. This gives you better leverage as you work your way around each tooth.
- Use a soft, circular motion as you brush. Any amount of hard brushing can put the tooth’s structure in danger of receding.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue. The tongue contains bacteria and could use a fresh scrub (back-to-front motion).
- Spend at least 3-4 minutes brushing your teeth
- Finish the job by flossing in between your teeth to remove food particles and other bacteria that a toothbrush can’t reach.
By following these steps, you can expect your dental health to increase. Some of these changes may be subtle, but they can make a big difference. Practicing great oral hygiene can help you achieve your dental goals, all it takes is a little time and dedication. Residents from all over the area, including Greenwood, Prairie Home and Alvo, are encouraged to come see us.
Schedule Your Next Checkup Today
It’s always wise to schedule a twice-yearly checkup and cleaning at our Waverly, NE office. It can help you keep your dental health in excellent shape while allowing us to get a closer look at what’s going on inside your mouth. Use our toothbrush tips to help keep your teeth looking and feeling clean and beautiful.